WACC Receives $778,760 Grant to Develop Programs – InkFreeNews.com

Pictured with WACC students from Warsaw and Tippecanoe Valley are: Bob Vitu, CEO of OrthoWorx; Erin Serafino, chief talent officer, OrthoWorx; Miriel McFarland, Instrumental Machine & Development LLC; Lisa Smith, Director of Excellence Programs, Don Wood Foundation; Lisette Downey, director of strategic communications, Don Wood Foundation; Ben Barkey, WACC Director; Dr. David Hoffert, WCS Superintendent; Tracy Horrell, assistant director of secondary education at WCS; Krista Polston, director of public affairs and strategic partnerships at WCS; WACC Paraprofessional Craig Streby; and WACC faculty Jeremiah Paseka, Nate Howett, Matt Alexander and Tom Thill. Photo by David Sloan, Times-Union.

Press release

WARSAW — The Warsaw Regional Career Center has received a major grant of $778,760 from the Don Wood Foundation to expand its welding and advanced manufacturing programs. This grant provides students with access to top-notch, industry-standard equipment, strengthening WACC’s position as a leader in technical education and workforce development in Indiana.

The future-ready welding and advanced manufacturing initiative will allow WACC to modernize aging manual lathes with the latest CNC equipment from Haas Automation, including advanced milling machines, lathes, multiple laser cutters, a CNC router and a plasma table. These updates ensure that students gain hands-on experience with the latest technology, preparing them for in-demand careers in the orthopedic manufacturing sector, which is a vital industry here in Kosciusko County.

Ben Barkey, Director of WACC, emphasized the importance of the grant: “This grant represents an important investment in the future of our students. We have seen a significant increase in student enrollment and much of the credit goes to our industry experienced faculty who have created such an engaging learning environment. Without the support of the Don Wood Foundation, it would be impossible to provide our students with the top-level equipment they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.”

Local industry leaders are equally excited. Todd Speicher, President of Instrumental Machine and Development, shared, “We at IMD are thrilled to learn that WACC has received a grant from the Don Wood Foundation! Knowing that these dollars will be used to expose our local students to skilled trades and job opportunities in our local orthopedic industry, as well as exposure to state-of-the-art equipment and technology, is a win for our company and our community. This is also a great opportunity for our established orthopedic employers to support and help our local students learn about various job opportunities and hopefully make the decision to continue living, playing and raising their families here in Kosciusko County and the surrounding area.”

In response to growing enrollment, WACC has also expanded its team to include an experienced manufacturing educator, further enriching the student experience. Through this initiative, students can earn industry-recognized certifications such as FANUC Certified Robot Operator – 1 and National Institute of Metalworking Skills certifications, enhancing their employability and meeting the needs of local industry.

Dr. David Hoffert, Superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools, added: “Warsaw Community Schools is grateful to the Don Wood Foundation for its strategic partnership and funding. Our local industry is the lifeblood of our community. Thanks to funding from the Don Wood Foundation, WCS is able to provide industrial equipment designed to train and train the next generation of the local workforce.”

The significance of this investment goes beyond just students. Known as the Orthopedic Capital of the World®, Kosciusko County will directly benefit from these advancements, ensuring that WACC graduates are fully equipped to meet the needs of local manufacturers, including orthopedic implant manufacturers and various other sectors that support both orthopedics and agriculture.

Matt Alexander, a manufacturing instructor at WACC, expressed gratitude: “Many thanks to the Don Wood Foundation for its significant investment in the various technology programs at the Warsaw Career Center. These machines, combined with a rigorous curriculum, will prepare our students for broad employment opportunities in and around the orthopedic capital of the world.”

The success of the program also depends on partnerships like the one between WACC and Tippecanoe Valley High School. Brandon Kreska, TVHS principal, emphasized the value of the grant to students. “Many students in the Tippecanoe Valley see a future in welding and machining, so they pursue education and internships with our partners at the Warsaw Career Center,” shared Brandon. “This investment by the Don Wood Foundation to improve welding and machining equipment at WACC will be extremely valuable in preparing the next generation of skilled workers in our community. On behalf of Tippecanoe Valley High School, thank you so much to the Wood Foundation for investing in our talented students.”

Bob Vitu, CEO of OrthoWorx, said, “We are grateful for the funding that the Don Wood Foundation continues to provide in many areas that support the development of education and knowledge related to careers in manufacturing. Their support aligns directly with OrthoWorx’s focus on next-generation equipment from a talent pool perspective, as well as the great work we are doing through our partnership with WACC.”

With this critical grant, WACC is committed to becoming a leader in career and technical education, shaping the future of our local workforce through state-of-the-art facilities, strong industry partnerships and a growing student population.